Mother Nature Strikes! 9 Dead After Twisters Hit Midwest (VIDEO)

Twisters that roared across Kansas and Illinois today killed nearly 9 people, the Associated Press reported. The twisters also showed strength in Branson, Missouri; a place that attracts a lot of tourists and is rich with country music architecture.

Branson’s Mayor Raeanne Presley spoke on the incident saying:

“We were blessed with several things – the time of year and certainly the time of day, when people were not in their vehicles or outdoors. I think so many people from Branson went over to help in Joplin and having seen that, it was fresh on our minds. We all reached for our loved ones a little sooner and got to the basement a little faster.”

Meteorologist Rick Shanklin said the twisters were 200 yards wide with winds up to 170 mph.

As a result of the storm, hospitals, ship docks, theatres, and homes were destroyed.

In addition to the 9 that died, over 30 people were injured. Leaders in Branson, Missouri have urged businesses to stay up, arguing that any significant damage due to the twisters can be redeveloped in a matter of days.

Our condolences go out to the families of those who died and we hope that the areas affected recover successfully.